Split Pea with Bacon

(Courtesy of Family Circle)

Ingredients:

6 slices bacon, diced

1 medium onion, peeled and diced

3 carrots, peeled and diced

2 ribs celery, trimmed and diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bag (1 lb.) green split peas

1 box (32 oz.) vegetable broth

2 tsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

3/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

Directions:

Cook bacon over medium heat in a large pot for 8 minutes.  Remove half with a slotted spoon to a bowl.  Add onion, carrots, celery and garlic to the pot.  Continue to cook for 5 minutes.

Stir in split peas, broth, 2 cups of water and rosemary.  Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.  Reduce heat, cover and cook 40 minutes or until peas are soft.  Season with salt and pepper.

Ladle soup into bowl; top each with a little of the reserved bacon bits.